ONE SPEED IS ALL YOU NEED?

Today I decided it was time for the fixie to make the 26 mile ride to work. I've often said that my fixie is my favorite bike. That was before I decided to ride it 26 miles to work and on some pretty big hills. I still think I love this bike, even though, my legs were cursing it numerous times en route today. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes to be able to gear down now and then when the road rises.

I live at the end of this street (after it turns to gravel) and thought I couldn't resist this sunrise. I accidentally had forced flash on, but I still kind of like the way this picture turned out. It doesn't get much better than starting out your day like this.

Here is a picture of about 5 miles into the ride.
At about 8 miles you cross this set of tracks. I guess I have a real track bike now. (oooo, that's bad)

At about mile 22, my fixie was getting tired, so I decided I'd stop and give him a rest. You gotta be good to them you know.
All in all, it was a very difficult ride, but I'm interested to see how it is on the way home. I'm convinced it's more uphill coming to work than going home. If that's true, this bike might just might make the trip a little more often. If not, I think I'm going to gear it down a little. I was surprised though to learn that it only took me about 5 minutes longer than on my Specialized, and it is so much more comfortable. Right now, I've got 45 chain ring with a 16 cog. I'm thinking installing a 17 cog that I've got in my garage. If I can find it from the move.